Lance lie in bed awake unable to get some sleep, his thoughts dwelling on the events of that night and the events that may happen in the future. Wondering what he was going to do about his current situation. He wanted to tell Twilight about how he felt, but he was more focused on Roman and worried about the damage he could cause. His priority is to find Roman and put a stop to his madness. Lance had too much on his mind to sleep, so he decided to take a walk around the castle. As he was walking; getting his thoughts together, Lance bumped into Flash Sentry. Lance smiled and saluted the stallion.
"Good evening Sir Sentry." Flash nodded.
"Good evening Mr. Lance, though it will soon be SIr Lance." Flash sighed in which Lance noticed.
"Is something wrong?" Lance could tell he was upset, but he didn't expect Flash to glare at him.
"Yes! I was supposed to be the Captain of Twilight's royal guard! I was meant to be transferred to Ponyville and assigned to Twilight! We planned this so we could be closer to each other and be together, but then you came along and ruined everything!" Lance looked at Flash shocked.
"I apologize. I never knew anything about this. It was Princess Celestia's suggestion to make me Captain of Twilight's royal guard. I have no idea why she suggested it." Flash looked back at Lance shocked as well and sighed again.
"If Princess Celestia thinks you should be Captain of Twilight's royal guard then I have no reason to argue." Lance looked at the saddened Pegasus and sighed.
"Even though you won't be the Captain of her guard that doesn't mean that you don't have a chance with her." It pained Lance to say it, but he believed it to be true. Flash just chuckled and shook his head sadly.
"No I am sure Twilight is over me, and I can understand why. We are so far apart, and we don't have the time or the opportunity to spend time together. That's why I wanted to transfer there, but we never had the time to have it done. You are fortunate you know." Lance looked at the stallion confused.
"How so?" Flash chuckled as he rolled his eyes.
"Just take good care of her alright?" Lance smiled and nodded as he saluted the Pegasus.
"You can count on me Sir Sentry!" Flash smiled as he saluted back and returned to his duties.
Lance returned to his room after his conversation with Flash. He was curious as to why Twilight would change her mind in making Flash the Captain of her guard. Lance just shrugged it off believing that it was just because Princess Celestia suggested it. Lance decided he would lay down again and try to get some sleep.
Roman entered the castle once again after one of his occasional meetings with Sombre, but this previous session was a bit different. During their meeting, Sombre taught Roman how to tap into dark magic.
"Now when the time is right I just need to use dark magic to hide the crystal heart, in a place where the ponies can't find it. First things first though, I need to be able to get close to the heart. Hopefully, Sombre's plan works otherwise our plan is doomed to fail. I also have to wait for Lance and his companions to leave the empire."
It was the next morning when Lance heard some knocking on his door. Lance looked at the clock on the wall and noticed that it was already 11 in the morning.
"Shit! I overslept!" Lance quickly got up and got dressed before answering the door.
Standing at the door was Twilight who had a concerned look on her face. "Good morning Lance you slept in a little late today that's not like you. Is everything alright?"
Lance only nods. "Yeah, I just had a little trouble sleeping last night."
This concerned Twilight even more. "Why? Was it something I did? Or was it Spike or Flash or Shining Armor or Cadence or-"
Lance cut Twilight off by putting his hand over her mouth as he shakes his head. "No, I have just been stressing about Roman. He is still out there, and he could be hurting ponies as we speak or worse. I know these are nothing I can do seeing as I don't know where he is but that doesn't make me any less concerned."
Twilight nods as he removes his hand. "I understand Lance we will get him in time. I also worry about the ponies, but it's like you said without knowing where he is there is nothing we can do. He could be anywhere in Equestria. Also, the fact remains that he might not have even survived. When you arrived, you were severely injured, and he could be in the same state or worse. However, if by some chance he is alive, then if we go frantically looking for him he might catch wind of it letting him know you are alive which will make it harder to find him."
Lance sighs and nods. "I know Twi. I just hope ponies will steer clear from him."
Twilight nods."Me too. Now, why don't we head down to the kitchen? Everyone else already ate breakfast."
Lance looks at Twilight in confusion. "Why didn't you eat breakfast with them?"
Twilight freezes for a moment and blushes. "I-I'm just not very hungry!
As soon as she says that, Twilight's stomach growls and she blushes more. Lance chuckles and arches an eyebrow. "You weren't hungry huh?"
Twilight continues to blush as she turns around and begins to walk towards the kitchen as Lance followed her. "I meant I WASN'T hungry! That doesn't mean I can't change my mind later on! Besides... I had a little bit on my mind too..."
Lance looks at Twilight in concern."Anything I can do to help?"
Twilight blushes harder keeping her head facing forward as individual words immediately entered her mind. You could kiss me. "N-No everything is alright just have a few princess things to deal with that's all!
Lance nods. "Alright just let me know if you ever need help with anything."
Twilight smiles appreciatively and nods just before both Lance's and Twilight stomach's both growl making them both blush for a moment and then chuckle. "Come on future Captain of my royal guard let's go put something in our stomach's."
Lance smiles and nods. "Alright."
As they both make their way into the kitchen Cadence was watching from behind a pillar pouting. "Darn so close! Give it time Cadence they will confess when they are ready. I hope." Cadence said to herself.
Both Twilight and Lance were enjoying their meal and each others company when Twilight saw Flash walk down the halls. Twilight quickly finished her meal and looked at Lance. "I am sorry I have to go, Lance, I have to talk with some pony."
Lance nodded and continued his meal. "That's fine I was going to go for a walk around town when I am done here. I will see you later."
Twilight smiles and nods as she runs after Flash. When she saw Flash, she teleported in front of him. "Flash we need to have a talk."
Flash nods as he follows Twilight to the balcony. "So what did you want to talk about Twilight?"
Twilight cringes not liking what she is about to do. "Flash I know we had plans for us in the future, and You are a great stallion, but I just feel like it won't work between us."
Flash sighs sadly. "I know."
Twilight looks at Flash surprised. "You do?"
Flash nods. "I am a little disappointed that we can't be together, but I understand. You rarely have any free time for us to see each other because of your royal duties and the fact that you are always saving Equestria. If we have done this sooner maybe it would have been possible."
Twilight shakes her head. "No Flash even then I don't think it would be possible. You see I mainly had a crush on you because of the alternate world I went to. I met the human version of you there and developed feelings for him. Yes, he was sweet and kind and cute, but we had nothing in common. He was nice, but that's all he was, and I am looking for someone who knows me who understands me and enjoys some of the things I do."
Twilight blushes thinking back at how Lance was the only one to sit and enjoy her lectures. Flash sighs once again.
"You mean someone like Lance?"
Twilight's eyes widened and began to grow nervous. "I-I don't like Lance!"
Flash just rolls his eyes. "Come on Twilight. Everyone can see you like him, except for him. Seeing as how he does enjoy some of the same things as you I am sure he isn't a complete idiot, but he isn't as observant as you, otherwise he could see your feelings."
Twilight fidgets her hooves. "Has it been that obvious?"
Flash nods. "Many ponies in the empire are talking about you two. Some good, some bad, and some just being plainly confused and intrigued. Many ponies see you two as a couple."
Twilight sighs. "I am sorry Flash I didn't mean for any of this to happen and I didn't mean to hurt you."
Flash nods once again. "I know, and I can tell the guy has a good heart as long as he does his job and takes good care of you then I have no problem with him."
Twilight smiles as she opens her hooves to him. "Friends?"
Flash smiles and accepts the hug. "Friends."
Twilight nodded and once they separated from the hug Twilight left the castle and began her walk around town collecting her thoughts. "Now that I have resolved things with Flash the only thing I have left to do is... Tell Lance my feelings for him..."
Lance left one of the stalls where he bought a Crystal Berry pie surprisingly enough even though they were made from crystals they were only as hard as rock candy but still have the juicy nectar of a berry and it tasted a lot like a raspberry. Lance first tried one on his outing with Twilight last night. He begins to recall the events of the evening. "I swear that felt too much like a date. I might be reading too much into it I mean we were all set and ready to go, but then Cadence had to leave to take care of a few things for Shining Armor. Of course, I can see that happening; seeing as Spike and Shining Armor, were having some brother quality time. Cadence happily agreed to take care of a few things for Shining, so they wouldn't have to cut anything short. Even so, something seems off about last night and the way Twilight acted. It was like she had feelings for me..."
Twilight goes to the library for some peace. "But how do I even tell him? Can I even tell him? I like Lance a lot, but I don't want to ruin our friendship, then again I did kiss him on the cheek last night, and he didn't freak out. Maybe he does like me back... Even so, how can I tell him?"
Lance goes to the park where he and Twilight saw the Crystal Fireflies. "This was one of the spots we had our... possible date. I still remember how the fireflies surrounded Twilight... she seemed to glow like literally sparkled..." Lance sighs. "I have to tell her how I feel, but I don't know if I can."
Twilight looks up some books on how to confess your feelings to your crush. "UGH! None of these books are actually helping! How is that possible?! Books have always helped me solve my problems! Even with the villains, I have faced!" Twilight sighs as she puts the books away and leaves the library. "But then again I wasn't dealing with something as complicated as romance before..."
Lance was walking back to the middle of town with his arms crossed and lightly pulling the hair on his chin. "what am I going to do? I can't keep these feelings a secret forever, and the sooner I get it out, the better I will feel, but I am scared..."
Twilight was currently walking towards the middle of town. "I need to tell him how I feel and I know I will feel better when I do, but what will he say? What will he do? I am afraid he will reject me or even worse won't want to be friends... What should I do?"
Little did they both know they were starting to get close to one another. Lance was approaching Twilight but didn't notice as he was deep in thought, and Twilight was walking to the left of Lance but didn't notice him either due to similar reasons.
Their ideas were driving them crazy until they couldn't take it anymore.
"WHY CAN'T I JUST TELL TWILIGHT HOW I FEEL?!
"WHY CAN'T I JUST TELL LANCE HOW I FEEL?!
They both froze and looked in each others direction with deep blushes on their faces. Cadence hurried and rushed from the crowd of ponies that was beginning to gather and teleported all 3 of them to the castle in her and Shining Armor's room.
"Whew, that was a close one."
Cadence was about to have a talk with them but noticed that they still haven't stopped staring at one another with deep blushes on their faces.
"Y-You have feelings for me Twi?"
Twilight's blush only grew deeper. "Y-Yes I have a crush on you and what about you? Do you feel the same way?
Lance's blush grew deeper this time. Y-Yes I do. But what about Flash Sentry?"
Twilight's eyes widen for a moment before she giggled. "I almost forgot you know about our history. While I did have a crush on him before, I realized that we don't have anything in common. He was just a good man in Canterlot High that helped proved I didn't destroy the decoration for the fall formal. Lance, you enjoy reading as I do and you are the first and only person who not only paid attention to my lectures but enjoyed them you made me feel special like I was worth paying attention to."
Lance smiled. "You are worth paying attention to."
Twilight smiled as her heart fluttered for a moment, but then she frowned. "What about you? You have family and friends, and your job is waiting for you back home. Don't you plan on going back?"
Lance chuckled and shook his head. "While I will miss them dearly I have decided since last night that I am not going back. It was always a dream of mine to see this place one day if it existed and my dream came true it is real, and I was able to see it AND live it. Now that I have I don't want to leave I have everything I could ever want here. Here I can be myself I don't have to hide anymore."
Twilight had tears in her eyes. "So does that mean?"
Lance nods and smiles brightly. "I am here to stay for good Twi!"
Twilight quickly rushes to Lance and tackles him to the ground in a hug as she cries happily. "YES YES YES YES!"
Lance smiled happily as he ran his hand through Twilight's mane. Then Twilight leaped up and pulled him into a deep kiss. This shocked Lance for a moment, but then he happily returned the kiss. Cadence smiled happily as she cried.
"I am so happy for you both."
Cadence words shocked them, and they quickly broke the kiss, and they both took a step back blushing profusely causing Cadence to giggle.
Lance cleared his throat and looked at Cadence. "So tell me Cadence last night was a blind date wasn't it?"
Cadence giggled. "I am not surprised that you figured it out. Twilight said you were smart. Yes, it was a blind date, and before you ask yes, Twilight knew about it."
Lance looked back at Twilight who was blushing heavily. "I-I just didn't want to scare you away if I told you it was a date."
Lance chuckled. "it's okay Twilight. I understand."
Twilight blushes harder "So does this mean you want to be my colt friend?"
lance smiles and walks up to Twilight and gives her a quick peck on the lips. "Does that answer your question?"
Twilight smiles brightly as she jumps on him again and kisses him deeply again.
Cadence just giggles. "Do I need to send you two to your room?"
This causes Lance and Twilight to blush harder than ever before as they separate. Twilight was lightly glaring at Cadence from embarrassment. "C-Cadence! That's a bit sudden don't you think?!"
Cadence burst into fits of laughter. "I am sorry you two I just couldn't help myself."
Twilight pouts adorably as Lance begins to laugh and Twilight joins after. "We will get you for that Cadence."
Cadence giggles "Maybe. Anyways let's go see what the others up to."
Both Lance and Twilight nod as they leave the room with Cadence walking directly beside one another. They go to see Spike and Shining armor playing Ogres and Oglettes while Starlight and Sunburst are sitting on the couch cuddling and reading a book together. Cadence couldn't help but smile at the sight; seeing all of the love surrounding her, even if some of the love is just love between siblings.
Spike sees them and waves. "Hey, guys!
Lance smiles and waves back. "Hey, guys whats up?"
Shining Armor glances up from the game as Sunburst and Starlight look up from their book. "Nothing much. Spike and I were just playing some Ogres and Oubliettes while Starlight and Sunburst were enjoying a book together."
Lance smiles. "I know that game it's just like Dungeons and Dragons where I come from!"
Both Shining Armor and Spike beam happily. "Why don't you come play with us then?"
Lance looks to Twilight to see her reaction. Lance knows he doesn't need her permission, but he doesn't want her to think that he doesn't care about her either. Twilight realizes this and nods.
Starlight stands up and stretches. "I have an idea. Why don't the boys have a guys night while we girls can have a girls night! I haven't had one of those in a while so how about it you two?"
Cadence and Twilight nods. "Sounds like fun! You boys enjoy your junk food and games!"
The guys chuckle as the girls leave and Lance looks at sunburst. "Come join us Sunburst!
Sunburst nods and joins their game.
As the girls leave the castle, Twilight can't help but look longingly back. Cadence notices this, however. "Don't worry Twilight he isn't going to disappear while we are out.
Starlight looks confused as Twilight nods. "I know, but I just got him, and I was hoping to spend some more time with him you know as my colt friend, but we will have plenty of time for that later."
This leaves Starlight even more confused and surprised. "Coltfriend? Who?"
Cadence giggles. "Lance."
Starlight is completely shocked at this point. "L-Lance?! The human?!"
Twilight blushes and nods. "Yeah, we just got together before coming to see all of you."
Starlight shakes her head to shake away the shock. "Well, who am I to judge? Besides he does seem more pony like than anything else."
Cadence nods in agreement. "He may look like a human, but he acts more like a pony. Of course, that's no surprise seeing as we are only a show in his world, and he has watched that same show for five years."
Both Twilight and Starlight nod as they continue to the restaurant.
Lance and the other guys decided to order Pizza and also had cola and other soda along with an abundance of candy and chips. They plan on having a pretty long game, and typically Spike managed the game, but they decided to let Lance handle it this time to see how impressive he could make the story and boy did he make it exciting and challenging. Lance kept them on their hooves and toes, but they all enjoyed the game nonetheless.
After about 6 hours a little after nine the decided to call it a night. Spike had already fallen asleep; Sunburst went home to wait for Starlight. Lance was helping Shining Armor put the game away. "Man I had no idea you were so good at this game!"
Lance chuckled. "Well as I said there is a very similar game in my world called Dungeons and Dragons and I was the one who mostly played as the Dungeon Master."
Shining laughed. "I can see why. You sure kept us on our hooves. I can't wait to play another game with you."
Lance nods. "I am looking forward to it. However, that will have to wait another time. We are heading back to Ponyville tomorrow."
Shining Armor nods. "I just have one thing to say before you guys do go."
Lance looked at Shining Armor. "What's that?"
Shining Armor gave Lance a serious look. "Please don't break my sister's heart and don't play dumb I know you two got together. I could see when you looked at Twilight after we asked you to play. It's the same look I give to Cadence during similar situations."
Lance smiled and gave Shining Armor a thumbs up. "Don't worry I promise I won't break her heart."
Shining Armor smiles satisfied with his answer as they finished picking up the game.
Lance begins to walk to his room after they finish cleaning up and while on his way he sees Crystal Clear (Roman in disguise). Roman scoffs at the human as he walks past Lance.
Lance sighs. "Look I understand if you don't like me but there is no reason to be rude."
Roman cringes. "My apologies I have just had a long and tiring day."
Lance nods and makes his way to his chambers. Lance takes a quick shower and lays down in bed. Before he has a chance to fall asleep however he hears a knock on his door. Lance puts on his pants and answers the door to see Twilight standing there with a small blush on her face. "Hey, Twi whats up?"
Twilight fidgets her hooves. "W-Well I was wondering if we could um... cuddle together while we sleep?"
Lance blushes a little and chuckles. "Sure."
Twilight smiles as she enters Lances room and she climbs into bed with him and holds him close as she rests her head on his chest and sighs contently. "Starlight was right this does feel... magical."
Lance chuckles as he wraps his arms around Twilight and the fall into blissful slumber together.
The next morning Lance wakes up feeling well rested and to see a sleeping Twilight with a big smile on her face as she
sleeps soundly.
Lance smiles as he strokes her cheek softly and runs his fingers through her mane. I never thought it was possible but I am dating Twilight Sparkle. Man, I know quite a few bronies who would be pissed at me for stealing their waifu.
Twilight stirs in her sleep and her eyes flutter open seeing Lance her smile grows bigger. "Good morning Lance."
Lance smiles and kisses her. "Good morning beautiful. Sleep well?"
Twilight beamed brightly. "Yes I did especially after the last two- wait..." Twilight blushes deeply. "D-Did you just call me beautiful?"
Lance chuckles. "Why yes, I did. Does that surprise you?"
Twilight blushes more as she turns away. "Nopony but my parents have ever called me beautiful..."
Lance grabs Twilight's face and makes her look at him. "I don't see how that's possible because you are a gorgeous mare. Any stallion would be lucky to be with you."
Twilight's face saddens. "Nopony has ever wanted to be with me besides Flash... I think that's the reason why I took an interest in him in the first place..."
Lance looks at her shocked. "How can no pony want to be with you? You are smart, beautiful, talented. If no stallion ever gave you a chance well then, that's their problem. They missed out on a chance with the best pony in Equestria."
Twilight looks at Lance confused. "Princess Celestia?"
Lance laughs. "Princess Celestia is great and all but she is nothing compared to you. At least in my opinion."
Twilight blushes once more. "You know how to flatter a girl."
Lance sighs. "Not really I can't tell you how many times I have taken a girl out on a date and they would say I am too cheesy or lame."
It was Twilight's turn to be shocked. "What?! So what if the things you say can be cheesy, they are still sweet and endearing. The only compliments I would get would be for how smart I am and sometimes how talented I am but those only came from older ponies. Ponies my age wouldn't even glance in my direction unless they wanted help with homework or something. To hear these things from someone who is interested in me. It's something I have wanted for so long...
Lance smirks as he pulls Twilight in his arms. "Well, I promise to compliment you every day."
Twilight giggled as she lightly taps Lance on the nose. "You are a dork, but I am glad you are mine."
Lance blushes. "I am glad you are mine too Twilight."
Twilight and Lance blush as they share a kiss before hearing someone make their throat from the doorway.
They look to the door to see Spike and Starlight standing in the door with their stuff all packed. Starlight was covering her mouth to suppress a giggle while Spike was giving them a deadpan look. "Can we save the mushy stuff for later? You two still need to eat breakfast and then we have a train to catch."
Lance and Twilight blushed and nodded as they gathered their things and ate breakfast. Afterward, they went to a few stalls to collect some snacks for the trip. After a couple of hours of shopping, they went to the train station and boarded the train back to Ponyville all the while they did not see Roman disguised as Crystal Clear following them up until they left on the train. Once he saw the train depart Roman rushed to the cave to inform Sombre.
"Sombre! Lance and his companions just left the Crystal Empire. They are on the train as we speak."
Sombre cackled evilly. "Excellent but we shall give it a few more days to make sure they aren't in our way when we strike. Remember to follow my plan accordingly we must not fail."
Roman nods. "I know, trust me we will prevail. Now as you said the rulers are a free game, but what about the infant?"
Sombre scratches his chin. "Hmm? Leave that to me I will try to corrupt it with my magic and if I cannot well, then it would make for a good prisoner in case things do go south."
Roman chuckles menacingly. "Very well Sombre I will leave the child to you and as for the rulers well they are about to meet an untimely end!"
Roman's evil laughs echoes throughout the cave and into the winter tundra but cannot be heard due to the sound of the storm.